Hydraulic brake control device with handlebar proximal hose attachment

ABSTRACT

A control device for a hydraulic brake for a bicycle includes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid. The reservoir has a variable volume. The control device also includes a reservoir cover at least partially defining the reservoir, and a support that is attachable to a handlebar of the bicycle via an inner annular surface of the support. A handlebar proximity zone is radially outer relative to the inner annular surface of the support and is within two centimeters of the inner annular surface of the support. At least part of the reservoir cover is within the handlebar proximity zone.

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent arises from a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/121,310, titled “Hydraulic Brake Control DeviceWith Handlebar Proximal Hose Attachment”, filed Dec. 14, 2020, which ishereby incorporated by this reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to a hydraulic brakecontrol device for a hydraulic actuation system for a bicycle and, moreparticularly, to a hydraulic brake control device with handlebarproximal hose attachment.

Description of Related Art

Many vehicles, such as, for example, bicycles, utilize a hydraulic brakesystem that applies pressure to a rotating part, a rotating wheel, or adisc mounted to the rotating wheel. Some of these braking systemsutilize a mechanism including a brake lever to generate pressure in ahydraulic fluid. This pressure is transferred through a hydraulic lineor conduit to a brake assembly, such that the hydraulic pressure isapplied to pads of the brake assembly to squeeze the pads against therotating part to impart a braking force.

SUMMARY

In one example, a control device for a hydraulic brake for a bicycleincludes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid. The reservoir has a variablevolume. The control device also includes a reservoir cover at leastpartially defining the reservoir, and a support that is attachable to ahandlebar of the bicycle via an inner annular surface of the support. Ahandlebar proximity zone is radially outer relative to the inner annularsurface of the support and is within two centimeters of the innerannular surface of the support. The reservoir cover is within thehandlebar proximity zone.

In one example, the reservoir cover is a diaphragm or a seal made of anelastomeric material.

In one example, the reservoir cover is a first reservoir cover. Thecontrol device further includes a second reservoir cover. The secondreservoir cover defines an outer surface of the control device andcovers the first reservoir cover and the reservoir. All of the secondreservoir cover is within the handlebar proximity zone.

In one example, the control device further includes a cylinder having aninterior defined by a cylinder wall. The cylinder extends along acylinder axis. The interior of the cylinder is in communication with thereservoir. The control device also includes a piston positioned withinthe interior of the cylinder and movable within the cylinder and alongthe cylinder axis.

In one example, the control device further includes an outlet port incommunication with the interior of the cylinder. The outlet port isconnectable to a hydraulic brake line of the bicycle. The outlet porthas an outlet port axis. The outlet port axis is a central axisextending through the outlet port. The inner annular surface defines aclamp surface axis. The clamp surface axis extends longitudinally alongthe inner annular surface.

In one example, the cylinder axis is at a positive acute angle relativeto the clamp surface axis.

In one example, the control device further includes a bleed port incommunication with the reservoir. The bleed port is closer to the clampsurface axis than the cylinder axis is relative to the clamp surfaceaxis.

In one example, the bleed port is adjacent to the reservoir cover.

In one example, a brake control device for a bicycle includes a housingincluding a support that is attachable to a handlebar of the bicycle viaan inner annular surface of the support. The inner annular surfacedefines a clamp surface axis and a clamp plane. The clamp surface axisextends longitudinally along the inner annular surface, and the clampplane is perpendicular to the clamp surface axis and intersects theinner annular surface. The brake control device also includes areservoir for hydraulic fluid. The reservoir is within the housing. Thebrake control device includes a cylinder having an interior defined by acylinder wall. The cylinder extends along a cylinder axis. The interiorof the cylinder is in communication with the reservoir. The brakecontrol device also includes a piston positioned within the interior ofthe cylinder. The piston is movable within the cylinder and along thecylinder axis. The brake control device includes an actuator pivotablyattached to the housing. The actuator is operatively connected to thepiston within the interior of the cylinder. The brake control devicealso includes an outlet port in communication with the interior of thecylinder. The outlet port is connectable to a hydraulic brake line ofthe bicycle. The outlet port has an outlet port axis. The outlet portaxis is a central axis extending through the outlet port. The reservoirand the actuator are on opposite sides of the clamp plane. The outletport axis is different than the cylinder axis.

In one example, the outlet port axis is different than the cylinder axisin that the outlet port axis is offset relative to the cylinder axis,such that the outlet port axis is not coaxial with the cylinder axis.

In one example, the outlet port axis is different than the cylinder axisin that the outlet port axis is at a positive acute angle relative tothe cylinder axis.

In one example, the outlet port axis is at a positive acute anglerelative to the clamp surface axis.

In one example, the outlet port axis is parallel to the clamp surfaceaxis.

In one example, the brake control device further includes a pivot. Theactuator is pivotably attached to the housing via the pivot. Thereservoir and the pivot are on opposite sides of the clamp plane.

In one example, a control device mountable to a handlebar of a bicycleincludes a housing including a support that is attachable to thehandlebar via an inner annular surface of the support. The inner annularsurface defines a clamp surface axis. The clamp surface axis extendslongitudinally along the inner annular surface of the support. Thecontrol device also includes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid. Thereservoir is within the support. The control device includes a cylinderhaving an interior defined by a cylinder wall. The cylinder extendingalong a cylinder axis. The interior of the cylinder is in communicationwith the reservoir. The control device also includes a piston positionedwithin the interior of the cylinder. The piston is movable relative tothe cylinder and along the cylinder axis. The control device includes anoutlet port in communication with the interior of the cylinder. Theoutlet port is connectable to a hydraulic brake line of the bicycle. Theoutlet port has an outlet port axis. The outlet port axis is a centralaxis extending through the outlet port. The outlet port axis is at afirst acute positive angle relative to the cylinder axis, the cylinderaxis is at a second acute positive angle relative to the clamp surfaceaxis, and the outlet port axis is at a third positive acute anglerelative to the clamp surface axis. The first positive acute angle, thesecond positive acute angle, and the third positive acute angle aredifferent angles.

In one example, the outlet port axis, the cylinder axis, and the clampsurface axis are coplanar.

In one example, the cylinder axis and the clamp surface axis define acylinder plane. The outlet port axis is non-coplanar with the cylinderplane.

In one example, the control device further includes a bleed port incommunication with the reservoir. The bleed port and the outlet port areon opposite sides of the cylinder plane.

In one example, the control device further includes an actuator that isoperatively connected to the piston within the interior of the cylinder.The control device also includes a pivot. The actuator is pivotablyattached to the support or the housing via the pivot and is pivotablerelative to the support via the pivot about a pivot axis.

In one example, the inner annular surface further defines a clamp plane.The clamp plane is perpendicular to the clamp surface axis andintersects the inner annular surface. The reservoir and the pivot are onopposite sides of the clamp plane. The pivot axis is offset relative tothe clamp surface axis by a distance of 30 mm or less.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of one example of a bicycle that may be fittedwith a control device constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthis disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hydraulicbraking control device attached to a handlebar of a bicycle, such as thebicycle of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the hydraulicbraking control device of FIG. 2 , removed from the handlebar;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the first embodiment of the hydraulic brakingcontrol device attached to the handlebar of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the first embodiment of the hydraulic brakingcontrol device of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the first embodiment of the hydraulic brakingcontrol device of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the first embodiment of the hydraulic brakingcontrol device attached to the handlebar of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the first embodiment of the hydraulicbraking control device of FIG. 6 , taken along axis 8-8;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the first embodiment of the hydraulicbraking control device attached to the handlebar of FIG. 7 , taken alongaxis 9-9;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a second embodiment of a hydraulic brakingcontrol device attached to a handlebar of a bicycle, such as the bicycleof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a third embodiment of a hydraulic brakingcontrol device attached to a handlebar of a bicycle, such as the bicycleof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a hydraulic brakingcontrol device attached to a handlebar of a bicycle, such as the bicycleof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a hydraulic brakingcontrol device attached to a handlebar of a bicycle, such as the bicycleof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of a hydraulic brakingcontrol device attached to a handlebar of a bicycle, such as the bicycleof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 15 is a first perspective view of a seventh embodiment of ahydraulic braking control device attached to a handlebar of a bicycle,such as the bicycle of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 16 is a second perspective view of the seventh embodiment of thehydraulic braking control device attached to the handlebar of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the seventh embodiment of the hydraulicbraking control device attached to the handlebar of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 18 is a first cross-section of the seventh embodiment of thehydraulic braking control device of FIG. 15 , separate from thehandlebar; and

FIG. 19 is a second cross-section of the seventh embodiment of thehydraulic braking control device of FIG. 15 , separate from thehandlebar.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a hydraulic braking control device accordingto another embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a cross-section view the hydraulic braking control device,taken along axis A-A as shown in FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 21 ; and

FIG. 23 is an enlarged sectional view of the hydraulic cylinder portionof the hydraulic braking control device of FIG. 21 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

With the introduction of wireless shifting and remote technology forbicycles, many cables and housings in the cockpit area of bicycles ofthe prior art are no longer needed. The elimination of such cables andhousing in the cockpit area provides a cleaner overall appearance forthe bicycle.

A number of hydraulic brake control devices of the prior art areconfigured such that an outlet port to which the brake hose isattachable faces away from a handlebar to which the hydraulic brakecontrol device is attached. Hose routing is thus highly visible to arider, and a brake hose attached to the outlet port of the hydraulicbrake control device is visible in a direction of travel and distractsthe rider from objects in view.

The present disclosure provides examples of control devices for abicycle that solve or improve upon one or more disadvantages with priorknown hydraulic brake control devices. For example, a hydraulic brakecontrol device has an outlet port, to which a brake hose is attachable,that is in close proximity to a handlebar to which the hydraulic brakecontrol device is attached. The outlet port of the hydraulic brakecontrol device may face the handlebar or may face in a direction that isparallel to an outer surface of the handlebar. The proximity of theoutlet port of the brake control device to the handlebar and/or thedirection the outlet port faces facilitates hose routing along the outersurface of the handlebar and/or within the handlebar. This improves afield of view for the user in a direction of travel and is lessdistracting for the rider.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosedcontrol devices will become apparent to those having ordinary skill inthe art upon reading this disclosure. Throughout the drawing figures,where like reference numbers are used, the like reference numbersrepresent the same or substantially similar parts among the variousdisclosed examples. Also, specific examples that utilize specificcombinations of the disclosed aspects, features, and components of thedisclosure are disclosed and described herein. However, it is possiblethat each disclosed aspect, feature, and/or component of the disclosuremay, in other examples not disclosed or described herein, be usedindependent of or in different combinations with other of the aspects,features, and components of the disclosure.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an example bicycle 100,which may be used to implement handlebar proximal hose attachment andthe braking systems disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, thebicycle 100 includes a frame 102, handlebars 104, and a seat 106. Thebicycle 100 also includes a first or front wheel 108 and a second orrear wheel 110. The bicycle 100 includes a drive train 112. The drivetrain 112 of FIG. 1 includes a crank assembly 114 operatively coupled toa rear cassette (not shown) via a chain 118. While the illustratedbicycle 100 is a mountain bicycle, the embodiments disclosed herein maybe implemented with other types of bicycles such as, for example, roadbicycles. The front and/or forward orientation of the bicycle 100 isindicated by the direction of arrow “A”. As such, a forward direction ofmovement for the bicycle is indicated by the direction of arrow A.

The bicycle 100 of FIG. 1 includes a hydraulic brake system 120. In theillustrated embodiment, the hydraulic brake system 120 includes a firstbrake lever assembly 122 and/or a second brake lever assembly (notshown). The first brake lever assembly 122 and/or the second brake leverassembly are disposed on the handlebars 104. The first brake leverassembly 122 may include a hydraulic control device for the bicycle 100.As such, the first brake lever assembly 122 is hydraulically coupled toa brake force application device, such as a first brake caliper 124, viaa first brake line 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the first brakecaliper 124 is operatively coupled to the front wheel 108. The secondbrake lever assembly may be operatively coupled to a different brakeforce application device, such as a second brake caliper 128, via asecond brake line 130. The second brake caliper 128 is operativelycoupled to the rear wheel 110. In other embodiments, the hydraulic brakesystem 120 includes one or more additional and/or alternative componentsand/or is configured in other ways. For example, the hydraulic brakesystem 120 may include alternative and/or additional brake forceapplication devices, such as rim brake calipers, which may be inhydraulic communication with hydraulic braking system control devices.

A first embodiment of a bicycle hydraulic brake control device 201 isshown in FIGS. 2-9 and generally includes a housing 202, and a leverassembly 205 including a lever 206 pivotably attached to the housing202. In an embodiment, the lever assembly 205 may also include othercomponents, such as a linkage 220 and/or a lever adjusting mechanism214. The control device 201 may also include a reservoir cover 208 thatcovers a reservoir, which will be described in greater detail below.Also visible are a piston adjustment knob 210 and the lever adjustmentmechanism 214, which are also described in greater detail below. Thehousing 202 includes a master cylinder that is hydraulically connectedto a slave cylinder. The slave cylinder operates a brake forceapplication device, such as a hydraulic caliper (not shown), by ahydraulic line attached to a hydraulic output 212 (e.g., an outletport). A clamp device 204 (e.g., a support) or any suitable fastener maybe part of or attached to the housing 202 for attaching the housing 202to a handlebar 104 of a bicycle, for example (see FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 8).

FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the first embodiment of thebicycle hydraulic brake control device 201. Referring to FIG. 8 , thehousing 202 includes a cylinder, which is a bore 215 in the housing 202in this embodiment. A piston assembly 216 is reciprocally disposedwithin the bore 215. The bore 215 includes a fluid chamber 218. Thelinkage 220 operates between the lever 206 and the piston assembly 216to produce a variable rate of travel of the piston assembly 216. Apiston adjustment mechanism 222 operates between the linkage 220 and thepiston assembly 216 to adjust the amount of dead band in the systemwithout affecting the operation of the linkage 220.

The lever 206 may be in the form of a blade pivotably attached to thehousing 202 of the hydraulic brake control device 201 by a first pin orpivot 224. The lever 206 is pivotable relative to the housing 202 of thehydraulic brake control device 201 via a pivot axis extending throughthe pivot 224. A cam or cam-shaped link 226 (e.g., a cam link), which ispart of one embodiment of the linkage 220, is either formed as part ofthe lever 206 or pivotally disposed on the first pin 224. The cam 226has a cam-shaped surface 228 along one portion.

The lever adjusting mechanism 214 may be adjustably attached to thelever 206 on a second pin 230, with the second pin 230 attached to thelever 206. The second pin 230 may be generally outboard from the firstpin 224.

The lever adjusting mechanism 214 may include a threaded shaft 232threadably engaged with the second pin 230. One end of the leveradjusting mechanism 214 includes a grasping part 234 that is accessibleand manipulatable by a user. The other end of the lever adjustingmechanism 214 includes a flared end or stop 236. The stop 236 abuts thecam 226 at the end 238 generally opposite the cam surface 228. Twistingthe grasping part 234 causes the threaded shaft 232 to either beinserted farther or removed from engagement with the second pin 230; asa result, the distance between the second pin 230 and the adjustment end238 of the cam 226 changes. In this manner, the orientation of the cam226 on the lever 206 may be changed, and the position of the lever 206is altered relative to a handlebar (not shown) when mounted thereon,and/or the housing 202.

The linkage 220 also includes a follower 240. The follower 240 ispivotably disposed on the housing 202. The follower 240 may be disposedon a third pin or pivot 242 attached to the housing 202. The follower240 includes a fourth pin 244, which is located opposite the third pin242. The fourth pin 244 may include a threaded bore 246. The follower240 may include a roller 248, which is rotatably disposed between thethird pin 242 and the fourth pin 244. The roller 248 engages the camsurface 228 of the cam link 226. The interaction of the follower 240 andthe cam link 226 when the lever 206 is moved causes the piston assembly216 to travel according to the profile of the cam surface 228. Theposition of the roller 248 on the cam surface 228 determines the part ofthe profile of the cam surface 228 actuating the piston assembly 216 inresponse to movement of the lever 206. The follower 240 may be securedto the third pin 242 with a locknut 250.

The housing 202 may be any suitable shape that defines a hollow interiorincluding the bore 215, and accommodates the mounting of and operationof the linkage 220. The housing 202 may be made of any suitable materialincluding, for example, metal, plastic, fiber-resin based compositematerials, or combinations thereof. The bore 215 includes a fluidchamber 218. The fluid chamber 218 includes hydraulic fluid (e.g. brakefluid) as is known.

The illustrated bicycle hydraulic brake control device 201 is an “open”type of fluid system. The bicycle hydraulic brake control device 201includes a reservoir 252. The reservoir 252 includes a reservoir chamber254 defined in a portion of the housing 202 in communication with thefluid chamber 218. Extending through the bore wall 256 between thereservoir chamber 254 are timing ports 300 and a compensating port 258.A diaphragm or seal 260 (e.g., a first reservoir cover) made of anelastomeric material such as, for example, silicon rubber is made tocover the reservoir chamber 254 and at least partially defines thereservoir chamber 254, such that the reservoir chamber 254 has avariable volume. The reservoir cover 208 (e.g., a second reservoircover) defines an outer surface of the bicycle hydraulic brake controldevice 201 and covers the diaphragm or seal 260. The reservoir cover 208may be made of any number of materials including, for example, a samematerial of which the housing 202 is made. For example, the reservoircover 208 may be made of metal, plastic, fiber-resin based compositematerials, or combinations thereof.

Pivoting the lever 206 from a rest position causes the piston assembly216 to drive a piston 266 into the bore 215. As the piston 266 moves ina cylinder or bore 215, a leading seal 262, which may, for example, be acup or umbrella seal, covers the timing ports 300, which pressurizes thefluid within the output 212 at the end of the fluid chamber 218 and inturn actuates a slave cylinder within a hydraulically coupled brakeforce application device, such as a brake caliper (not shown). When thelever 206 is released, a piston assembly biasing element 264 biases thepiston 266 toward a first end 268 of the fluid chamber 218, away from asecond end 270 of the fluid chamber 218, to reassume a rest or homeposition for the piston 266. A distance between a leading edge of theleading seal 262 when the piston is in the home position and a fluidchamber sealing timing port 300 is a “dead-band” of the stroke of thepiston 266 and/or the leading seal 262. Specifically, during movement ofthe piston 266 and the leading seal 262 through the dead band (e.g., thepart of lever actuation where the cup seal 262 is between the timingports 300 and the first end of the fluid chamber 268), hydraulic fluidin the reservoir 252 between the seal 262 and the timing ports 300returns to the reservoir 252. The diaphragm 260 of the reservoir 252 mayexpand to allow for the increase in fluid passing from the fluid chamber218 to the reservoir 252. During this part of lever actuation, andassociated piston stroke, the second end 270 of the fluid chamber 218 isnot pressurized to provide braking forces at the brake force applicationdevice. The length of the dead-band may be adjustable in accordance withuser preferences. For example, the length of the dead-band may beadjusted by the user with the movable member 210.

One or more timing ports 300 are disposed along the length of thecylinder 215. The timing ports 300 may be any shape, size, ororientation. In an embodiment, the timing ports 300 are oval and/orgenerally circular and have a diameter of 0.4 millimeters or less. Forexample, a sealing port of a group of timing ports 300 may be sized at0.4 millimeters or less. In another embodiment, the timing ports 300 maybe different sizes, with at least one timing port 300 having a diameterof 0.4 millimeters or less. In yet another embodiment all or a majorityof the timing ports 300 may have a diameter of 0.4 millimeters or less.

To accommodate the volume of fluid within the fluid chamber 218 thatwill be displaced into the reservoir 252 during movement of the piston266 through the dead band, multiple timing ports 300 may be used. Atleast two of these timing ports 300 are at different positions along thebore 215 relative to the second end 270 and/or the first end 268 of thefluid chamber 218. The timing port or ports 300 located closest to thesecond end 270 of the fluid chamber 218 will define the end of the deadband of the stroke. When the last of the timing ports 300 within thefluid chamber 218 is sealingly engaged, a fluid pressure chamber isformed, as is described further below.

The piston assembly 216 is disposed in the bore or cylinder 215 topartially define the fluid chamber 218. The piston 266 may be providedwith one or more seals 262, 272. A leading seal 262 sealingly engages awall 275 of the bore 215 to create and/or define a fluid pressurechamber 274, and reciprocates throughout a stroke of the leading seal262, or the piston 266, to generate and/or relieve pressure at theoutput 212. The seals 262, 272 may be any type of seals. For example,O-rings or umbrella seals may be used. Where two seals 262, 272 areused, the rearmost 272 of the seals may be considered to define, withthe piston 266 and the wall 275 of the bore 215, the fluid chamber 218(i.e. the volume of the bore that includes fluid).

The piston assembly 216 is constructed and positioned within the bore215 to reciprocate along a piston or cylinder axis 286 (see FIG. 9 ).The piston assembly 216 may be biased in a rest or home position by thepiston assembly biasing element 264, which may be a spring, such as acoil spring as shown. The action of the biasing element 264 may alsoreturn the lever 206 to a rest or home position.

The piston assembly 216 may include a separate cap member 276. The capmember 276 may be a barrel shaped piece that fits within the bore 215and abuts a proximal end of the piston 266. The cap member 276 mayinclude a flange or the like at or near an end abutting the piston 266.The cap member 276 may also include a non-round interior 280 that may bein the form of a key hole or similar shape.

A pushrod 282 is connected to the follower 240 at one end and contactsthe piston assembly 216 at the other end. The pushrod 282 includes ahead 284. The head 284 includes a ball surface received in acorresponding interior 280 of the cap member 276 of the piston assembly216 in a keyed relationship. The pushrod 282 may be threadably engagedwith the threaded bore 246 of the fourth pin 244 at an end opposite thehead 284.

The piston assembly 216 may be a single-piece as shown, or may be formedas multiple pieces. In one embodiment, the piston 266 may be a separatepart of the piston assembly 216. Alternatively, the piston 266 may beformed as a single-piece construction with the cap member 276.

In the embodiment shown, the control device 201 includes a pistonadjustment mechanism 222 that is disposed in the housing 202 to adjustthe dead band portion of the piston stroke. The piston adjustmentmechanism 222 includes a sleeve member 290 that is disposed about andkeyed to the cap member 276. The sleeve member 290 is also threadablyengaged in the bore 215 of the housing 202. The sleeve member 290 may beturned by the manually movable member or knob 210 that is keyed to thesleeve member 290. The movable member 210, when rotated, causes axialmovement of the sleeve member 290, and movement of the sleeve membercauses axial movement of the cap member 276 through interaction of thesleeve member 290 with the flange of the cap member 276.

At the same time that the sleeve member 290 is moved axially, thepushrod 282 is translated axially a same amount and in a same directionas the cap member 276 by the threaded engagement of the pushrod 282 inthe fourth pin 244. In this way, no slack or lash is created byadjustment of the dead band with the piston adjustment mechanism 222.Also, the positions of the elements of the linkage 220 are unaffected.As such, the adjustment of the lever adjustment mechanism 214 isindependent of the adjustment of the dead band adjustment of the pistonadjustment mechanism 222. The piston adjustment mechanism 222 operatesin correlation to one or more sealing timing ports of a group of timingports 300 to define the length of the dead band piston stroke.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the linkage 220 is operated by movement of thelever 206, which in turn causes the piston assembly 216 to move alongthe cylinder axis 286 of the bore 215 and sealingly engage a series oftiming ports 300. Once a last timing port 300 along the cylinder axis286 is sealingly engaged, further movement of the piston in thepressurizing direction generates fluid pressure within the fluidpressure chamber 274.

The clamp device 204 has an inner annular surface 322 that abuts thehandlebar 104 when the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 201 isattached to the handlebar 104 via the clamp device 204. The innerannular surface 322 defines a clamp surface axis 324 that extendslongitudinally along the inner annular surface 322.

The bicycle hydraulic brake control device 201 is configured such that ahydraulic line 325 (e.g., a brake hose) is attached to the hydraulicoutput 212 in close proximity to the handlebar 104. This allows routingof the hydraulic line 325 (i.e., hose routing) to be close to thehandlebar 104 for an improved view for a rider of the bicycle 100. Inother words, there is no brake hose 325 in a view of the rider in adirection of travel to distract the rider. Further, the bicyclehydraulic brake control device 201 is configured such that the housing202 of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 201 is close to thehandlebar 104 and less visible to the rider compared to bicyclehydraulic brake control devices of the prior art.

The bicycle hydraulic brake control device 201 may also include ahydraulic output cover 327 to protect the connection between thehydraulic line 325 and the hydraulic output 212 from the environment(e.g., moisture and dirt) and help guide the hydraulic line 325 to thehandlebar 104. The hydraulic output cover 327 abuts the handlebar 104when the hydraulic output cover 327 is attached to the housing 202 ofthe bicycle hydraulic brake control device 201 and the bicycle hydraulicbrake control device 201 is attached to the handlebar 104. The hydraulicoutput cover 327 is attachable to the housing 202 of the bicyclehydraulic brake control device 201 in any number of ways including, forexample, with a press fit and/or with one or more connectors. Thehydraulic output cover 327 may be removable and may be made of anynumber of materials including, for example, rubber, metal, plastic,fiber-resin based composite materials, or combinations thereof. In oneembodiment, the hydraulic output cover 327 is made of a same material asthe housing 202 of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 201.

As an example, a handlebar proximity zone 326 is defined relative to theclamp surface axis 324, and the bicycle hydraulic brake control device201 is configured such that the diaphragm or seal 260 and/or thereservoir cover 208 is within the handlebar proximity zone 326. In oneembodiment, all of the reservoir cover 208 is within the handlebarproximity zone 326, and part of the diaphragm or seal 260 is within thehandlebar proximity zone 326. In another embodiment, part of thereservoir cover 208 is within the handlebar proximity zone 326, and partof the diaphragm or seal 260 is within the handlebar proximity zone 326.In yet another embodiment, all of the reservoir 252 and/or at least partof the bore 215 is within the handlebar proximity zone 326.

A radially outer limit 328 of the handlebar proximity zone 326 isradially outer relative to the clamp surface axis 324 and is at apredetermined distance relative to the clamp surface axis 324. Theradially outer limit 328 of the handlebar proximity zone 326 may be atany number of distances relative to the clamp surface axis 324 such as,for example, two centimeters, three centimeters, or 3.5 centimeters.Other distances between the radially outer limit 328 and the clampsurface axis 324 (e.g., four centimeters) may be provided. The handlebarproximity zone 326 may be a rectangular area defined by the clampsurface axis 324 and the radially outer limit 328 or a hollowcylindrical volume defined by an inner radius corresponding to the clampsurface axis 324 and an outer radius corresponding to the radially outerlimit 328.

Other components of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 201 maybe within the handlebar proximity zone 326. For example, in otherembodiments, the pivot 224 may be within the handlebar proximity zone326. In other words, the pivot axis about which the lever 206 ispivotable relative to the housing 202 of the bicycle hydraulic brakecontrol device 201 may be offset 3 cm or less relative to the clampsurface axis 324.

In addition to the reservoir cover 208 and the diaphragm or seal 260,and thus the reservoir 252, being close to the handlebar 104, asdiscussed above, the hydraulic output 212 may face towards the handlebar104. The hydraulic output 212 is, for example, an outlet port of thebicycle hydraulic brake control device 201 that is connectable to ahydraulic line (e.g., the hydraulic line 325). The hydraulic output 212has an outlet port axis 330 that is a central axis extending through thehydraulic output 212. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-9 , the outletport axis 330, the cylinder axis 286, and the clamp surface axis 324 maybe coplanar.

The outlet port axis 330 may be different than the cylinder axis 286. Inother words, the cylinder axis 286 may not be in line with the outletport axis 330. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9 , thecylinder axis 286 is at a positive acute angle (e.g., positive acuteangle a in FIG. 9 ) relative to the clamp surface axis 324, and theoutlet port axis 330 is at a first positive acute angle (e.g., positiveacute angle b in FIG. 9 ) relative to the cylinder axis 286 and a secondpositive acute angle relative to the clamp surface axis 324 (e.g.,positive acute angle c in FIG. 9 ), such that the hydraulic output 212faces towards the handlebar 104. For example, the cylinder axis 286 maybe at a 20 degree angle relative to the clamp surface axis 324, theoutlet port axis 330 may be at a 30 degree angle relative to thecylinder axis 286, and the outlet port axis 330 may be at a 50 degreeangle relative to the clamp surface axis 324. Other relative angles maybe provided. As another example, the cylinder axis 286 may be at a 15degree angle relative to the clamp surface axis 324, the outlet portaxis 330 may be at a 15 degree angle relative to the cylinder axis 286,and the outlet port axis 330 may be at a 30 degree angle relative to theclamp surface axis 324. With such configurations, the hydraulic line 325connected to the hydraulic output 212 extends away from the hydraulicoutput 212 and towards the handlebar 104. Once the hydraulic line 325(e.g. a brake hose) reaches the handlebar 104, the hydraulic line 325may then be routed along the handlebar 104, within and/or on thehandlebar 104, out of the view of the rider.

The inner annular surface 322 of the clamp device 204 further defines aclamp plane 332. The clamp plane 332 is perpendicular to the clampsurface axis 324 and intersects the inner annular surface 322 of theclamp device 204. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9 , the reservoir252 and the hydraulic output 212, and the lever 206 and the pivot 224are on opposite sides of the clamp plane 332. This configuration spreadscomponents of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 201 out alongthe handlebar 104, such that components of the bicycle hydraulic brakecontrol device 201 such as, for example, the lever 206 and the hydraulicoutput 212 may be positioned adjacent to the handlebar 104 when thebicycle hydraulic brake control device 201 is attached to the handlebar104 via the clamp device 204. This configuration of the bicyclehydraulic brake control device 201 provides a bicycle hydraulic brakecontrol device that is less visible to the rider.

A second embodiment of a bicycle hydraulic brake control device 401 isshown in FIG. 10 . An inner annular surface 402 of a clamp device 404 ofthe bicycle hydraulic brake control device 401 defines a clamp surfaceaxis 406 and a clamp plane 408. The clamp plane 408 is perpendicular tothe clamp surface axis 406 and intersects the inner annular surface 402of the clamp device 404. A hydraulic output 410 (e.g., an outlet port),and a lever 412 and a pivot 414 of the bicycle hydraulic brake controldevice 401 are on opposite sides of the clamp plane 408. Unlike theembodiment of FIGS. 2-9 discussed above, however, a reservoir 416 of thebicycle hydraulic brake control device 401 extends on both sides of theclamp plane 408. In other words, the clamp plane 408 intersects thereservoir 416.

The embodiment of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 401 shownin FIG. 10 further differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 2-9 in that anoutlet port axis 418 does not extend towards the handlebar 104. Instead,the outlet port axis 418 is parallel with the clamp surface axis 406. Inone embodiment, the outlet port axis 418 is also parallel with acylinder axis 420. The hydraulic output 410 and the outlet port axis418, however, are in close proximity to the handlebar 104 (e.g., withina handlebar proximity zone), such that a hydraulic line 422 may berouted close to the handlebar 104. The close proximity of the hydraulicoutput 410 to the handlebar 104 may be provided due to a size, shape,and/or orientation of the reservoir 416. For example, the reservoir 416may be adjacent to the handlebar 104 in that a reservoir cover 424covering the reservoir 416 may abut the handlebar 104 when the bicyclehydraulic brake control device 401 is attached to the handlebar 104.Further, a length of the reservoir 416 may extend in a directionparallel to the clamp surface axis 406.

The bicycle hydraulic brake control device 401 also includes a bleedport 426 in fluid communication with the reservoir 416. The bleed port426 is positioned in proximity to the handlebar 104 (e.g., adjacent tothe handlebar 104, within a handlebar proximity zone) and at a highpoint in the reservoir 416, for improved air removal during a bleedingprocess compared to other bicycle hydraulic brake control devices. Forexample, the bleed port 426 is closer to the clamp surface axis 406 thanthe cylinder axis 420 is relative to the clamp surface axis 406. Thereservoir 416 is in close proximity to the handlebar 104 and above abore 428 for optimal performance of the reservoir 416 in trapping air inbrake fluid from entering high pressure fluid. The bleed port 426 may belocated adjacent to (e.g., within 0.1 or 0.2 cm) the reservoir cover424, which, for example, defines an outer surface of the bicyclehydraulic brake control device 401 and covers a diaphragm or seal withinthe bicycle hydraulic brake control device 401. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 10 , the bleed port 426 and the outlet port 410 are on oppositesides of the clamp plane 408. The bicycle hydraulic brake control device201 shown in FIGS. 2-9 may also include a bleed port 426 in a same orsimilar position relative to the handlebar 104 and/or the reservoir 252as shown in FIG. 10 . Other configurations of the bleed port 426 may beprovided.

A third embodiment of a bicycle hydraulic brake control device 501 isshown in FIG. 11 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 differs from theembodiment shown in FIG. 10 in that a cylinder axis 502 is perpendicularto a clamp surface axis 504 and perpendicular to an outlet port axis 506extending through an outlet port 508 of the bicycle hydraulic brakecontrol device 501. An inner annular surface 510 of a clamp device 512of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 501 defines the clampsurface axis 504 and a clamp plane 514. The clamp plane 514 isperpendicular to the clamp surface axis 504 and intersects the innerannular surface 510 of the clamp device 512. The outlet port 508 and theoutlet port axis 506 are in close proximity to the handlebar 104 (e.g.,within a handlebar proximity zone). Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 2-9 ,a reservoir 516 and a cylinder 518 of the bicycle hydraulic brakecontrol device 501 respectively extend on both sides of the clamp plane514. In other words, the clamp plane 514 intersects the reservoir 516and the cylinder 518. The reservoir 516 is, for example, in line withthe cylinder 518 and disposed between the cylinder 518 and the handlebar104 when the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 501 is attached tothe handlebar 104.

A fourth embodiment of a bicycle hydraulic brake control device 601 isshown in FIG. 12 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 differs from theembodiment shown in FIG. 10 in that a cylinder axis 602 and/or an outletport axis 604 extending through an outlet port 606 of the bicyclehydraulic brake control device 601 is angled towards a clamp surfaceaxis 608. For example, the outlet port axis 604 is at a positive acuteangle (e.g., 15 degrees, 20 degrees, or 25 degrees) relative to theclamp surface axis 608, such that the outlet port 606 faces thehandlebar 104. In one embodiment, the cylinder axis 602 and the outletport axis 604 are both at positive acute angles relative to the clampsurface axis 608, respectively.

An inner annular surface 610 of a clamp device 612 of the bicyclehydraulic brake control device 601 defines the clamp surface axis 608and a clamp plane 614. The clamp plane 614 is perpendicular to the clampsurface axis 608 and intersects the inner annular surface 610 of theclamp device 612. The outlet port 606 is in close proximity to thehandlebar 104 (e.g., within a handlebar proximity zone). A reservoir 616of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 601 and at least part of alever 618 of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 601 extend awayfrom opposite sides of the clamp plane 614, respectively.

A fifth embodiment of a bicycle hydraulic brake control device 701 isshown in FIG. 13 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 13 differs from theembodiment shown in FIG. 12 in that a cylinder axis 702 is perpendicularto a clamp surface axis 704. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 12 , anoutlet port axis 706 extending through an outlet port 708 of the bicyclehydraulic brake control device 701 is at a positive acute angle relativeto the clamp surface axis 704. An inner annular surface 710 of a clampdevice 712 of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 701 defines theclamp surface axis 704 and a clamp plane 714. The clamp plane 714 isperpendicular to the clamp surface axis 704 and intersects the innerannular surface 710 of the clamp device 712. The outlet port 708 is inclose proximity to the handlebar 104 (e.g., within a handlebar proximityzone). Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , a reservoir 716 anda cylinder of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 701respectively extend on both sides of the clamp plane 714. In otherwords, the clamp plane 714 intersects the reservoir 716. The reservoir716 is, for example, in line with the cylinder and disposed between thecylinder and the handlebar 104 when the bicycle hydraulic brake controldevice 701 is attached to the handlebar 104.

A sixth embodiment of a bicycle hydraulic brake control device 801 isshown in FIG. 14 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 differs from theembodiment shown in FIGS. 2-9 in that an outlet port axis 802 extendingthrough an outlet port 804 of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device801 is offset relative to a cylinder axis 806. For example, a support807 is attached (e.g., rotatably attached via one or more connectors) toan outer surface 808 of a housing 810 of the bicycle hydraulic brakecontrol device 801. The support 807 is hollow and is in fluidcommunication with a fluid chamber within the bicycle hydraulic brakecontrol device 801. The outlet port 804 is supported by the support 807,such that the outlet port axis 802 is offset relative to the cylinderaxis 806. The outlet port axis 802 is thus not coaxial with the cylinderaxis 806.

In one embodiment, the cylinder axis 806 and a clamp surface axis 812defined by an inner annular surface 814 of a clamp device 816 of thebicycle hydraulic brake control device 801 define a cylinder plane. Theoutlet port axis 802 is offset relative to the cylinder axis 806, suchthat the outlet port axis 802 is non-coplanar with the cylinder plane.

The outlet port axis 802 is angled towards the handlebar 104. In otherwords, the outlet port axis 802 is at a positive acute angle relative tothe clamp surface axis 812. The rotatability of the support 807 relativeto the housing 810 of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 801,for example, and the offset of the outlet port axis 802 relative to thecylinder axis 806 may facilitate the positioning of a hydraulic line 818along and/or within the handlebar 104. The outlet port 804 abuts or isin close proximity to the handlebar 104 (e.g., within a handlebarproximity zone).

A seventh embodiment of a bicycle hydraulic brake control device 901 isshown in FIGS. 15-19 . An inner annular surface 902 of a clamp device904 of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 901 defines a clampsurface axis 906 and a clamp plane 908. The clamp plane 908 isperpendicular to the clamp surface axis 906 and intersects the innerannular surface 902 of the clamp device 904. A hydraulic output 910(e.g., an outlet port) and a reservoir 912, and at least part of a lever914 (see FIG. 18 ) of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 901 areon opposite sides of the clamp plane 908.

The embodiment of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 901 shownin FIGS. 15-19 differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 2-9 in that anoutlet port axis 918 (e.g., a central axis through the hydraulic output910) does not face the handlebar 104. Instead, the outlet port axis 918is parallel with the clamp surface axis 906. The hydraulic output 910and the outlet port axis 918 are in close proximity to the handlebar 104(e.g., abuts and/or within a handlebar proximity zone), such that ahydraulic line 922 may be routed close to the handlebar 104. FIG. 17shows an example of a handlebar proximity zone 923 within which at leastpart of the hydraulic output 910 and/or at least part of the reservoir912 may be disposed when the bicycle hydraulic brake control device 901is attached to the handlebar 104.

Referring to FIG. 18 , a cylinder axis 924 may be angled towards thehandlebar 104, so that the hydraulic output 910 may be in closeproximity to or abut the handlebar 104. In the embodiment of FIGS. 15-19, the reservoir 912 is positioned between and in-line with a bore 926,within which a piston assembly 928 is movable, and the hydraulic output910. Other configurations may be provided.

The close proximity of the hydraulic output 910 to the handlebar 104 maybe provided due to a size, shape, and/or orientation of the reservoir912. For example, the reservoir 912 may be adjacent to the handlebar 104in that a reservoir cover 930, covering, for example, a diaphragm or aseal 931 covering the reservoir 912, may abut the handlebar 104 when thebicycle hydraulic brake control device 901 is attached to the handlebar104. Further, a length of the reservoir 912 may extend in a directionparallel to the clamp surface axis 906, and the reservoir 912 may bedisposed between and in line with the bore 926 and the hydraulic output910.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 19 , as discussed above with reference to theembodiment of FIG. 14 , the outlet port axis 918 may be offset relativeto the cylinder axis 924. Referring to FIG. 19 , a support 932 isattached to a housing 934 of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device901 with a connector 936 and corresponding threaded openings 938, 940 inthe support 932 and the housing 934 of the bicycle hydraulic brakecontrol device 901, respectively. The support 932 includes a passage 942via which the hydraulic output 910 is fluidly connected to the bore 926.The attachment of the support 932 to the housing 934 of the bicyclehydraulic brake control device 901 provides that the outlet port axis918 is offset relative to the cylinder axis 924.

Although certain control devices, bicycles, and methods have beendescribed herein in accordance with the teachings of the presentdisclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto.On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings ofthe disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissibleequivalents.

Another embodiment of a bicycle hydraulic brake control device 1001 isshown in FIGS. 20-23 and generally includes a housing 1002 and the leverassembly 205 including a lever 206 pivotably attached to the housing1002. The control device 201 may also include the reservoir cover 208that covers a reservoir. Also visible are a piston adjustment knob 210and the lever adjustment mechanism 214, as are described herein. Thehousing 202 includes a master cylinder that is hydraulically connectedto a slave cylinder. The slave cylinder operates a brake forceapplication device, such as a hydraulic caliper (not shown), by ahydraulic line attached to the hydraulic output 212. A clamp device 204or any suitable fastener may be part of or attached to the housing 1002for attaching the housing 1002 to a handlebar 104 of a bicycle. Thisembodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-9 except thatin this embodiment the cylinder axis 1086 is parallel to the clampsurface axis 324. In this embodiment, the outlet port axis 1030 bisectsboth the cylinder axis 1086 and the clamp surface axis 324 at a sameacute angle (e.g., acute angles d and e in FIG. 21 ). In an alternateembodiment, the outlet port axis 1030 bisects both the cylinder axis1086 and the clamp surface axis 324 at angles (e.g., acute angles d ande in FIG. 21 ) within 5 degrees of each other.

FIG. 21 shows a bisected sectional view of the bicycle hydraulic brakecontrol device 1001 shown in FIG. 20 . FIGS. 22 and 23 indicate anenlarged sectional view of the outlet port 212 and hydraulic cylinderportions of FIG. 21 . In this embodiment, the outlet port 212 axis 1030is different than the cylinder axis 1086. In other words, the cylinderaxis 286 is not in line with the outlet port axis 1030. For example, asshown in the current embodiment, and the outlet port axis 1030 is at afirst positive acute angle relative to the cylinder axis 1086 and thesame positive acute angle relative to the clamp surface axis 324, suchthat the hydraulic output 212 faces towards the handlebar 104 wheninstalled on the handlebar 104.

In this embodiment, the inner annular surface 322 of the clamp device204 of the bicycle hydraulic brake control device1001 defines the clampsurface axis 324. The clamp surface axis 324 is perpendicular to thecylinder axis 1086.

FIG. 22 shows a hose 325 installed in the hydraulic output 212. Similarto the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-9 , the hose 324 interacts with aflow control valve 1042 at the intersection of the outlet port 212 axis1030 and the cylinder axis 1086 forming an obtuse approach angle Bbetween the hose 324 and the flow control valve 1042. Upon installation,the hose 324 interacts with the flow control valve to move the flowcontrol valve against a biasing device to open flow between the mastercylinder and the outlet port. As is shown in FIG. 23 , when no hose isinstalled, the flow control valve 1042 is positioned to fluidly seal themaster cylinder from the outlet port.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particularembodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described inthis specification in the context of separate embodiments can also beimplemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures that are described in the context of a single embodiment canalso be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in anysuitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be describedabove as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed assuch, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some casesbe excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may bedirected to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations and/or acts are depicted in the drawings anddescribed herein in a particular order, this should not be understood asrequiring that such operations be performed in the particular ordershown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations beperformed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances,multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, theseparation of various system components in the embodiments describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allembodiments, and it should be understood that any described programcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein,individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover,although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the artupon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be usedto interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be groupedtogether or described in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed toless than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus,the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimedsubject matter.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded asillustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that thefollowing claims including all equivalents are intended to define thescope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to thedescribed order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, allembodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the followingclaims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A brake control device for a bicycle, the brakecontrol device comprising: a housing including a support that isconfigured to be attached to a handlebar of the bicycle via an innerannular surface of the support, the inner annular surface defining aclamp surface axis, the clamp surface axis extending longitudinallyalong the inner annular surface; a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, thereservoir being within the housing; a cylinder having an interiordefined by a cylinder wall, the cylinder extending along a cylinderaxis, the interior of the cylinder being in communication with thereservoir; a piston positioned within the interior of the cylinder, thepiston being configured to move within the cylinder and along thecylinder axis; an actuator pivotably attached to the housing, theactuator being operatively connected to the piston within the interiorof the cylinder; and an outlet port in communication with the interiorof the cylinder, the outlet port being configured to attach to ahydraulic brake line of the bicycle, wherein the outlet port has anoutlet port axis, the outlet port axis being a central axis extendingthrough the outlet port, wherein the outlet port axis bisects both thecylinder axis and the clamp surface axis at a same acute angle.
 2. Thebrake control device of claim 1, wherein the outlet port axis isdifferent than the cylinder axis in that the outlet port axis is at apositive acute angle relative to the cylinder axis.
 3. The brake controldevice of claim 1, wherein the outlet port axis is at a positive acuteangle relative to the clamp surface axis.
 4. The brake control device ofclaim 1, wherein the outlet port axis is parallel to the clamp surfaceaxis.
 5. The brake control device of claim 1, further comprising apivot, the actuator being pivotably attached to the housing via thepivot, wherein the reservoir and the pivot are on opposite sides of aclamp plane.
 6. A control device mountable to a handlebar of a bicycle,the control device comprising: a housing including a support that isconfigured to be attached to the handlebar via an inner annular surfaceof the support, the inner annular surface defining a clamp surface axis,the clamp surface axis extending longitudinally along the inner annularsurface of the support; a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, the reservoirbeing within the housing; a cylinder having an interior defined by acylinder wall, the cylinder extending along a cylinder axis, theinterior of the cylinder being in communication with the reservoir; apiston positioned within the interior of the cylinder, the piston beingconfigured to move relative to the cylinder and along the cylinder axis;and an outlet port in communication with the interior of the cylinder,the outlet port being configured to connect to a hydraulic brake line ofthe bicycle, wherein the outlet port has an outlet port axis, the outletport axis being a central axis extending through the outlet port,wherein the outlet port axis is at a first acute positive angle relativeto the cylinder axis, the cylinder axis is at a second acute positiveangle relative to the clamp surface axis, and the outlet port axis is ata third positive acute angle relative to the clamp surface axis, andwherein the first positive acute angle, the second positive acute angle,and the third positive acute angle are same angles.
 7. The controldevice of claim 6, wherein the outlet port axis, the cylinder axis, andthe clamp surface axis are coplanar.
 8. The control device of claim 6,further comprising: an actuator that is operatively connected to thepiston within the interior of the cylinder; and a pivot, the actuatorbeing pivotably attached to the support or the housing via the pivot andbeing pivotable relative to the support via the pivot about a pivotaxis.
 9. A brake control device for a bicycle, the brake control devicecomprising: a housing including a support that is configured to beattached to a handlebar of the bicycle via an inner annular surface ofthe support, the inner annular surface defining a clamp surface axis,the clamp surface axis extending longitudinally along the inner annularsurface; a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, the reservoir being within thehousing; a cylinder having an interior defined by a cylinder wall, thecylinder extending along a cylinder axis, the interior of the cylinderbeing in communication with the reservoir; a piston positioned withinthe interior of the cylinder, the piston being configured to move withinthe cylinder and along the cylinder axis; an actuator pivotably attachedto the housing, the actuator being operatively connected to the pistonwithin the interior of the cylinder; and an outlet port in communicationwith the interior of the cylinder, the outlet port being configured toconnect to a hydraulic brake line of the bicycle, wherein the outletport has an outlet port axis, the outlet port axis being a central axisextending through the outlet port, wherein the outlet port axis bisectsboth the cylinder axis and the clamp surface axis at acute angles withinfive (5) degrees of each other.